I'm curious to know if the underside of your unit has been 'schmeered' with 'something' , or is it painted/enameled ?
The handle (which looks like something that was added , post manufacture) looks almost like a fairly-currentish metal gate latch part .
Can't tell much from the images ... but it looks like a machine-stamped & rolled piece to me .... is the base showing much wear ?
Is it steel/copper/etc ?